Manual: ShowNET - Network Interface
Manual: ShowNET - Network Interface
page 20 / 63
page 21 / 63
4. Network Operation
Important:
Only ShowNET interfaces and potentially an ArtNet controller must be used in the same net-
work. Avoid using other network devices in the same network.
Avoiding connectivity issues, Troubleshooting:
- Make sure that no firewall is blocking the network traffic between the computer and the
show laser device. The firewall has to be configured to grant network access to the laser
show software.
- If the network connection does not work, try to temporarily disable the firewall. If this
helps, create a matching rule and re-activate the firewall.
- Whenever the DIP switch settings for the network mode are changed (for example,
change static IP address or switch from DHCP to AutoIP mode), the ShowNET device
has to be restarted (disconnect it from the mains and plug it in again).
- The interface has to be connected to a 100Mbit or Gigabit Ethernet LAN. 10Mbit Ethernet
is not suitable.
- The use of WIFI (WLAN) is not recommended. This will result in decreased output perfor-
mance and unsafe operation.
Attention - maximum cable length:
When using ethernet cables with RJ45 connection, always pay attention to the maximum
length of the very cable. E.g. :
Cat 5e = max. 100 m
Cat 6 = max. 50 m
Cat 7 = max. 50 m
Cat 8 = max. 30 m
You can use normal network switches to amplify the signal and extend the range!
Without amplification of the signal (e.g. via a switch) it is recommended to use fiber trans-
mission as soon as longer distances are required.
a) DHCP Mode
Dip switch setting
switch
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
On (1) / Off (0) 0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
In this mode, the IP address is provided by a DHCP server. Therefore, a DHCP server has to
be available in the network. For example, this could be a cheap 100MBit network
router
with integrated DHCP server. This option does not work if there is no device in the same
network that can distribute and manage network addresses as DHCP! In this case, try
AutoIP as connection method (e.g. if the interface is directly connected to the computer)!
b) AutoIP
switch
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
On (1) / Off (0) 0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
In this mode, the IP address is negotiated automatically without the need for a DHCP
server. A Windows computer with enabled AutoIP is necessary to use this feature. In Win-
dows 7, 8 and 10, AutoIP is enabled by default. In Windows XP it has to be enabled ma-
nually. Before trying to connect a ShowNET to the computer, make sure that the AutoIP
feature is enabled. If AutoIP is selected, but there is a DHCP server in the network (e.g. in a
router), the IP assignment cannot work sometimes. Use DHCP mode in this case.
c) Static IP address
Using a static IP address is the most stable option for network control. The IP address
consists of 4 numbers, seperated by a point. The first two number are always 192.168 and
cannot be changed. The last two numbers (adr1 and adr2) can be configured with DIP
switches. The resulting IP address will be something like
192.168.adr1.adr2
switch
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
On (1) / Off (0)
0000 - adr2 = 50
1000 - adr2 = 51
0100 - adr2 = 52
1100 - adr2 = 53
0010 - adr2 = 54
1010 - adr2 = 55
0110 - adr2 = 56
1110 - adr2 = 57
0001 - adr2 = 58
1001 - adr2 = 59
0101 - adr2 = 60
1101 - adr2 = 61
0011 - adr2 = 62
1011 - adr2 = 63
0111 - adr2 = 64
1111 - adr2 = 65
00 - adr1 = 0
10 - adr1 = 1
01 - adr1 = 2
11 - adr1 = 254
1
0
0
0
The Windows computer needs to have an IP address within the same network subnet.
Example:
switch
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
On (1) / Off (0) 1
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
This will assign IP address 192.168.0.61 to the ShowNET interface.
Assign a different IP address inside the same subnet to the Windows computer, for example
192.168.0.100 (subnet = 255.255.255.0)
